Not sure what goals to choose for 2017? Experts suggest planning manageable positive lifestyle changes for the new year instead of major life overhauls that set you up for disappointment. People who make realistic resolutions are more likely to keep those promises throughout the year.

Did you make a resolution for 2015? How are you doing with it now that spring has arrived? Are you off to a good start? Are you keeping up with it? Does your goal need a review? Here are some tips for taking steps toward a happier, healthier you.

We are surrounded by images of the holiday season that promote, encourage and normalize abundance and excess. No wonder so many of us have become accustomed to the idea that the holidays are a time when it’s okay to overdo it. This one time of the year, we spend too much, eat too much and drink too much. But the holidays don’t have to be about excess. You still can have a great time and enjoy the holiday season without overdoing it.

You’ve heard the expression, “Everything you need to know about life, you learned in kindergarten.” Here are some ideas for simplifying your life this summer, based on those lessons we learned way back when.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10.5 percent of the U.S. population has an impulse control disorder. Impulse control disorders occur when we can’t resist the urge to do something. When people with this disorder have these urges, they can’t stop their behavior, even if there are negative consequences. There are many psychiatric disorders that have these features, including substance abuse, gambling, compulsive shopping, mood disorders, internet addiction and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Most people make New Year's resolutions to fix something so they’ll feel better during the coming year than they did during the previous year. Seems simple, right? Not really. While three quarters of New Year's resolutions fail, it’s helpful to look at the reasons why one quarter succeed.

Everyone experiences stress and trauma throughout their lives. With adequate support from relationships and environments, individuals can often endure these times and maintain mental health. The capacity to avoid risks and thrive in spite of trauma is called resiliency.

In 2011, when the Cardinals were several games behind first, everyone thought it was over but them. But they kept their positive attitude and went on to win the World Series. There are many benefits (aside from winning the World Series) to having a positive attitude at work.

Mindfulness is being “aware” -- aware of what you are choosing to think every moment, and then using simple techniques to evaluate your own thoughts. The idea of being mindful requires being present and being more conscious of life as it happens. I frequently discuss mindfulness with my clients and suggest that they focus on staying in the “here and now.”